Matilda Omonaiye/
Some suspected fraudsters posing as assassins have attempted to extort Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Founder of Penpushing Media, by threatening his life and demanding a ransom of ₦20 million in exchange for his safety.
The gang, led by an individual who identified himself as Femi Poly, contacted Kayode-Adedeji via phone at 7:30 a.m., claiming they had been hired to assassinate him but had reconsidered carrying out the act due to his age. Instead, they offered to spare his life if he could provide the requested sum.
“We have your photograph, and we were assigned by someone close to you to eliminate you,” the caller reportedly stated.
“However, we observed that you are an elderly man and decided to offer you a chance to save yourself if you can pay ₦20 million.”
When the journalist inquired about the identity of the alleged sponsor and the motive behind the threat, the fraudsters refused to disclose any details until payment was made.
“The person is a close associate who claimed to have personal issues with you,” they said. “If you can keep it confidential, we will reveal their identity after receiving the ₦20 million.”
After Kayode-Adedeji declined the demand, stating that he could not afford such an amount, the fraudsters progressively reduced their request—from ₦20 million to ₦500,000, then ₦150,000, and finally ₦10,000. They provided an Access Bank account (0002884692, Aminu Adamu) for the payment.
Kayode-Adedeji has since reported the incident to law enforcement authorities, who have commenced an investigation into the attempted extortion.
Security agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report similar threats to the appropriate authorities.
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